The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has issued a two-week ultimatum to the Federal Government to resolve pressing welfare and professional grievances or face a nationwide industrial action.
The ultimatum was announced following the conclusion of the association’s 46th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on Sunday in Calabar, where members expressed deep frustration over prolonged delays in implementing previously agreed-upon terms.
Reading the resolutions to journalists, the newly elected NARD National President, Dr. Emmanuel Ogar, emphasized that the current economic realities necessitate an immediate review of existing remuneration and professional salary structures.
The association criticized the slow pace of government action regarding career progression, professional allowances, and the general welfare of resident doctors, stressing that further delays are no longer acceptable.
A major concern highlighted by the association is the severe manpower shortage plaguing public hospitals, which has significantly increased the workload on remaining personnel.
NARD is demanding standardized compensation templates and reliable data frameworks to ensure doctors performing duties beyond their normal responsibilities are appropriately remunerated.
Furthermore, the union called for heightened security measures and the full implementation of anti-assault policies to protect medical personnel from rising hospital violence.
The exodus of medical professionals, commonly referred to as the “japa” syndrome, also took center stage during the AGM.
NARD urged the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to urgently tackle the root causes of emigration, warning that the continuous brain drain severely compromises healthcare delivery.
Additionally, the association called on state governments to improve working conditions in local health institutions and demanded that the National Assembly strengthen budgetary allocations for the healthcare sector.
Concluding the resolutions, NARD clarified that while it is not opposed to electronic clocking systems in hospitals, such technologies must be deployed for accurate data management rather than punitive measures.
The association urged the government to utilize the strict two-week window to avert a total breakdown of industrial harmony.
Meanwhile, the AGM concluded with the formal inauguration of Dr. Ogar and a new crop of National Executive Council officers tasked with steering the association’s advocacy.
